TLDR:
- VKTX climbs pre-market as Phase 3 VK2735 enrollment ends ahead of schedule.
- Early VANQUISH-1 completion boosts expectations for upcoming 78-week results.
- Strong VK2735 Phase 2 weight-loss data sets tone for large Phase 3 readout.
- Viking expands VK2735 pipeline with active trials in obesity and diabetes.
- Company readies for major milestones as VK2735 advances toward late-stage data.
Viking Therapeutics(VKTX) traded at $37.76, down 1.20%, while pre-market levels rose to $38.19, showing renewed early interest.
Viking Therapeutics, Inc., VKTX
The stock moved as the company confirmed early completion of enrollment in its Phase 3 obesity trial. The update positioned the program for a key data timeline as the 78-week primary period continues.
VANQUISH-1 Enrollment Finishes Early and Surpasses Target
Viking Therapeutics completed enrollment in the VANQUISH-1 trial with about 4,650 participants across four treatment groups. The company advanced the program ahead of schedule, and the rapid recruitment signaled strong demand for new metabolic options. The design aims to measure weight change at week 78 while also tracking categorical reductions.
The Phase 3 trial includes adults with obesity or overweight plus related medical conditions. Participants receive weekly subcutaneous doses of VK2735 or placebo across three active strengths. The study framework supports a comprehensive review of both efficacy and longer-term tolerability.
The program also includes a 52-week extension to evaluate additional safety outcomes. This extension permits continued treatment for participants after the primary assessment window. The structure strengthens the dataset but also extends the timeline for final safety analyses.
Phase 2 Data Provide Supportive Foundation for VK2735
Prior Phase 2 testing showed meaningful weight reductions for VK2735. Participants achieved up to 14.7% mean reductions after 13 weekly injections, and results showed no plateau. The safety profile remained favorable as most events were mild or moderate.
The Phase 2 study produced consistent reductions in body weight across dose groups. Response rates supported continued evaluation in a larger population. These findings informed the dose selections now used in the Phase 3 program.
Viking also reported balanced discontinuation rates in earlier studies. This balance indicated that tolerability remained manageable across treated groups. The company used this evidence to advance VK2735 into large-scale testing.
Broader Development Efforts Continue Through VANQUISH-2
Viking is also running the VANQUISH-2 study in people with type 2 diabetes and obesity. This program remains in enrollment, and the timeline targets completion in the first quarter of 2026. The study expands the VK2735 profile into an additional metabolic population.
The company maintains a pipeline of metabolic candidates beyond VK2735. Additional programs include oral VK2735 and VK2809 for lipid disorders. Each candidate supports the company’s strategy in endocrine and metabolic diseases.
Viking continues to position VK2735 as a potential competitor in an expanding obesity market. The early Phase 3 progress sets expectations for the upcoming readout after the 78-week period. The next major update is expected once participants finish the primary dosing timeline.


